Red Wings' Henrik Zetterberg closer to return, not ruled out for Game 4

Wednesday

Apr 23, 2014 at 2:13 PMApr 23, 2014 at 2:15 PM

Zetterberg practiced Wednesday and took line drills for the first time since back surgery Feb. 21.

By Dan CagenDaily News staff

Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli said last week that Henrik Zetterberg was "lurking" over his team's first-round series with the Red Wings.

He now may be right over the Bruins' shoulders.

Zetterberg practiced Wednesday and took line drills for the first time since back surgery Feb. 21. Although a return for Thursday's Game 4 against the Bruins, who lead the series 2-1, seems unlikely, the veteran center and Detroit captain wouldn't rule it out.

“The good thing is (the decision’s) not in my corner,” Zetterberg told reporters after practice Wednesday at Joe Louis Arena. “I’ve got to be cleared by the doctor. I’ve got to do all those exams. I’m just preparing myself to get into better and better shape, try and get as much game-like situations as I can in practice. Today was a good day of that."

Zetterberg played in just 45 games this season, but was third on the Wings with 48 points.

He skated Wednesday on a line with Todd Bertuzzi and Justin Abdelkader. Pavel Datsyuk and Niklas Kronwall did not practice as their significant others were giving birth,

“This is just part of the process,” Zetterberg added. “The more I amp stuff up in the gym and on the ice now we just have to wait and see the reactions. If I don’t feel any setbacks or don’t feel anything bad that’s when I’ll probably start that conversation, but still this was the first practice I’ve really had where I’ve been in all the drills and skating a line.”

The Red Wings have been targeting a return for the second round, meaning a week to 10 days. But with the offensively limited Winged Wheels trailing the series and in desperate need of offense before returning to Boston for Game 5, perhaps that timeline will be moved up.

“I have to feel ready to play,” Zetterberg told reporters. “Today was a good step in practicing. We’re still saying round two, but we all know we gained a couple days. I can’t really say anything now. I’m just happy I had my first real skate and now we’ll see how I feel in the morning.”